Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A storage device tray, comprising: a sideplate; a baseplate; a sliding mechanism that is coupled to the baseplate, slides laterally relative to the sideplate, and secures a storage device against the sideplate, wherein the sliding mechanism includes a locking mechanism that restricts lateral displacement of the sliding mechanism relative to the sideplate.
Storage device mounting and securing. This invention addresses the need for a secure and easily manipulated mounting system for storage devices, such as hard drives or solid-state drives, within a chassis or enclosure. The system comprises a baseplate and a sideplate. A sliding mechanism is attached to the baseplate. This sliding mechanism is designed to move laterally (sideways) with respect to the sideplate. Its primary function is to hold a storage device in place by pressing it against the sideplate. Crucially, the sliding mechanism incorporates a locking mechanism. This locking mechanism prevents the sliding mechanism from moving laterally relative to the sideplate once it has been positioned to secure the storage device. This ensures that the storage device remains firmly in place and is protected from accidental dislodgement during operation or handling.
2. The storage device tray of claim 1 , wherein the sliding mechanism includes a first threadless peg configured to be introduced into a first screw hole within the storage device when the sliding mechanism secures the storage device against the sideplate.
3. The storage device tray of claim 1 , wherein the sideplate includes a second threadless peg configured to be introduced into a second screw hole within the storage device when the sliding mechanism secures the storage device against the sideplate.
A storage device tray system is designed to securely mount storage devices, such as hard drives or solid-state drives, within a computing enclosure. The system addresses the challenge of ensuring stable and vibration-resistant mounting while simplifying installation and removal. The tray includes a sideplate with a sliding mechanism that engages the storage device, holding it firmly in place. The sideplate features a second threadless peg that aligns with a corresponding second screw hole in the storage device. When the sliding mechanism secures the storage device against the sideplate, the peg inserts into the screw hole, providing additional stability without requiring threaded fasteners. This design reduces installation time and minimizes the risk of damage to the storage device or tray during mounting. The system ensures proper alignment and secure retention, enhancing reliability in environments prone to vibration or movement. The use of threadless pegs simplifies the mounting process while maintaining structural integrity, making it suitable for both consumer and enterprise storage applications.
4. The storage device tray of claim 1 , wherein the locking mechanism restricts lateral travel of the sliding mechanism upon being locked.
5. The storage device tray of claim 1 , wherein the locking mechanism exerts a force on the sliding mechanism upon being locked to secure the storage device against the sideplate.
A storage device tray is designed to securely hold a storage device, such as a hard drive or solid-state drive, within a computing system. The tray includes a sliding mechanism that allows the storage device to be inserted and removed from the system. A locking mechanism is integrated into the tray to prevent the storage device from dislodging during operation or transport. When the locking mechanism is engaged, it applies a force to the sliding mechanism, which in turn presses the storage device against a sideplate of the tray. This ensures the storage device remains firmly in place, reducing vibration and preventing accidental ejection. The locking mechanism may include a latch, clamp, or other fastening component that interacts with the sliding mechanism to achieve this secure positioning. The design ensures compatibility with standard storage device form factors while providing enhanced stability and protection against mechanical shock. The system is particularly useful in environments where devices are frequently moved or subjected to vibrations, such as in industrial or mobile computing applications. The locking mechanism may be manually operated or automated, depending on the specific implementation. The overall structure ensures reliable retention of the storage device without damaging its components.
6. The storage device tray of claim 1 , wherein the locking mechanism comprises a lever that, when closed in a locked position, forces the sliding mechanism against the storage device.
7. The storage device tray of claim 1 , wherein the sliding mechanism is coupled to the baseplate via at least one screw.
8. The storage device tray of claim 7 , wherein the at least one screw allows the sliding mechanism to slide laterally towards the sideplate and imposes a mechanical limit on the sliding mechanism.
A storage device tray is designed for use in computing systems, particularly for housing and securing storage devices such as hard drives or solid-state drives. The tray includes a sliding mechanism that allows the storage device to be inserted or removed from a computing system enclosure. A key feature of this tray is the use of at least one screw that serves a dual purpose: it enables the sliding mechanism to move laterally toward a sideplate, facilitating alignment and secure positioning of the storage device, and it also acts as a mechanical stop to limit the sliding mechanism's range of motion. This ensures proper engagement and prevents over-extension, which could damage the tray or the storage device. The screw may be adjustable to fine-tune the sliding mechanism's movement and positioning, enhancing compatibility with different storage device sizes or enclosure designs. The tray's design improves ease of installation and removal while maintaining structural integrity and alignment within the computing system.
9. The storage device tray of claim 1 , wherein the storage device tray has a form factor capable of housing a 3.5-inch storage device, and wherein the storage device comprises a 2.5-inch storage device.
10. The storage device tray of claim 1 , wherein the storage device comprises at least one of a hard disk drive or a solid-state drive.
11. A sliding mechanism, comprising: a first surface coupled to a baseplate of a storage device tray, wherein the sliding mechanism slides laterally relative to a sideplate of the storage device tray; a second surface that secures a storage device against the sideplate of the storage device tray; and a locking mechanism that restricts lateral displacement of the sliding mechanism relative to the sideplate.
12. The sliding mechanism of claim 11 , wherein the second surface includes a first threadless peg configured to be introduced into a first screw hole within the storage device when the second surface secures the storage device against the sideplate of the storage device tray.
A sliding mechanism for securing a storage device within a storage device tray includes a second surface that interfaces with the sideplate of the tray. The second surface features a first threadless peg designed to engage with a first screw hole in the storage device when the second surface is positioned against the sideplate. This peg provides a non-threaded alignment and retention mechanism, ensuring proper positioning and stability of the storage device within the tray. The mechanism may also include additional features, such as a first surface that interfaces with the storage device tray, a first threaded fastener for securing the mechanism to the tray, and a second threaded fastener for securing the storage device to the mechanism. The peg and screw hole interaction simplifies installation by eliminating the need for threaded fasteners in certain positions, reducing assembly time and complexity while maintaining secure retention. This design is particularly useful in modular storage systems where quick and reliable attachment of storage devices is required.
13. The sliding mechanism of claim 11 , wherein the sideplate includes a second threadless peg configured to be introduced into a second screw hole within the storage device when the second surface secures the storage device against the sideplate of the storage device tray.
14. The sliding mechanism of claim 11 , wherein the locking mechanism restricts lateral travel of the sliding mechanism upon being locked.
15. The sliding mechanism of claim 11 , wherein the locking mechanism exerts a force on the sliding mechanism upon being locked to secure the storage device against the sideplate.
A sliding mechanism for a storage device, such as a drawer or panel, includes a locking mechanism that applies a force to secure the storage device against a sideplate when locked. The sliding mechanism allows the storage device to move between open and closed positions along a track system. The locking mechanism, when engaged, ensures the storage device remains fixed in place, preventing unintended movement or detachment. The force exerted by the locking mechanism may be generated through mechanical, magnetic, or spring-loaded components, ensuring a stable and secure connection between the storage device and the sideplate. This design enhances stability and durability, particularly in applications where vibration or external forces could otherwise dislodge the storage device. The sliding mechanism may include additional features, such as dampers or alignment guides, to improve smooth operation and precise positioning. The locking mechanism may also incorporate a release mechanism for easy disengagement when the storage device needs to be opened or adjusted. This invention is particularly useful in furniture, automotive, or industrial applications where secure and smooth sliding functionality is required.
16. The sliding mechanism of claim 11 , wherein the locking mechanism comprises a lever that, when closed in a locked position, forces the sliding mechanism against the storage device.
A sliding mechanism for a storage device includes a locking mechanism that secures the sliding mechanism in place. The locking mechanism comprises a lever that, when moved into a locked position, applies force to the sliding mechanism, pressing it against the storage device. This ensures stability and prevents unintended movement. The sliding mechanism itself allows the storage device to be extended or retracted smoothly, while the locking mechanism provides a secure locking function to hold the storage device in a fixed position when needed. The lever-based design allows for easy manual operation, enabling users to lock or unlock the mechanism with minimal effort. The interaction between the lever and the sliding mechanism ensures that the storage device remains securely in place when locked, while still allowing free movement when unlocked. This design is particularly useful in applications where the storage device must be stable during use but adjustable for access or storage purposes. The lever's force application ensures a tight fit, reducing vibrations and improving overall stability.
17. The sliding mechanism of claim 11 , wherein the first surface is coupled to the baseplate of the storage device tray via at least one screw.
18. The sliding mechanism of claim 17 , wherein the at least one screw allows the sliding mechanism to slide laterally towards the sideplate of the storage device tray and imposes a mechanical limit on the sliding mechanism.
19. The sliding mechanism of claim 11 , wherein the storage device tray has a form factor capable of housing a 3.5-inch storage device, and wherein the storage device comprises a 2.5-inch storage device.
A sliding mechanism for a storage device tray is designed to accommodate a 3.5-inch form factor while housing a smaller 2.5-inch storage device. The mechanism includes a tray that slides into and out of an enclosure, allowing for easy installation and removal of the storage device. The tray is structured to securely hold the 2.5-inch device within the larger 3.5-inch space, ensuring proper alignment and stability. The sliding mechanism may include rails, guides, or other structural components to facilitate smooth movement and prevent misalignment. The design addresses the need for compatibility between different storage device sizes, particularly in computing systems where space constraints or legacy hardware require a 3.5-inch bay but use a smaller 2.5-inch drive. The mechanism ensures the 2.5-inch device fits securely without additional adapters, simplifying installation and reducing potential compatibility issues. The sliding feature allows users to easily access the storage device for maintenance or upgrades while maintaining a compact and organized system layout.
20. The sliding mechanism of claim 11 , wherein the storage device comprises at least one of a hard disk drive or a solid-state drive.
A sliding mechanism for electronic devices, particularly for portable computing devices such as laptops or tablets, addresses the challenge of efficiently managing storage components within limited space. The mechanism enables a storage device, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), to slide in and out of the device housing for easy access, maintenance, or replacement. The sliding mechanism ensures secure positioning of the storage device while allowing smooth movement when needed. The storage device is mounted on a sliding tray or rail system that interfaces with the device's internal structure, providing stability and preventing damage during insertion or removal. The mechanism may include locking features to prevent accidental dislodgment and ensure proper alignment with the device's data connectors. This design enhances usability by simplifying storage upgrades or repairs without requiring extensive disassembly of the device. The sliding mechanism is particularly useful in compact devices where space optimization is critical, ensuring reliable storage functionality while maintaining portability.
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March 23, 2021
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